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Our home is a small-sized, thoughtfully designed space — where every piece has a story and every corner continues to be designed with care. From secondhand finds that bring history into our space to creative multifunctional pieces that make the most of every inch, this journey is about more than just decorating — it's about creating a home that feels warm, lived-in, and truly loved. /creating a warm, inviting welcome into our petite apartment Having lived in different countries, home has always been a safe haven where I surround myself with memorable photographs, objects that have a deep personal meaning, art that reminds me of an experience or colors that take me back to my cultural roots. And though we might think that these are just mere objects, they somehow also have the power to make us feel grounded and connected to all of those loved ones and memories that we hold onto. This is how your home becomes a reflection of you.  Every home has a story to tell. The way we design our spaces goes beyond aesthetics — it’s about crafting a visual narrative that reflects our journey, personality, and memories. Whether through cherished heirlooms, collected vintage finds, or intentional color choices, design is a form of storytelling. In this post, we’ll explore how to infuse storytelling into your home’s design — creating a space that feels authentic, meaningful, and uniquely yours. every piece has a story A well-designed home isn’t just about following trends; it’s about surrounding yourself with objects that hold personal significance.  /our tv wall that was collected over time with art, books and pieces that hold meaning to us How to Curate Meaningful Pieces : Mix Old & New – Vintage furniture, inherited decor, or travel keepsakes add history and depth. Tell Your Journey – Display items that reflect your experiences - books, artwork, and textiles with a story. Let Your Walls Speak – Use gallery walls, framed letters, or travel photos to create a visual timeline of your life. Example: Instead of buying mass-produced art, frame handwritten recipes from a loved one or vintage postcards from places you’ve visited. colors, textures, layers as a narrative tool Design isn’t just about objects — it’s about the feeling a space evokes. Colors, textures, and layering help shape the mood and story of a room. /layering textiles on sofa using soft earth tones Ways to Use These Elements in Storytelling : Color Psychology: Soft earth tones create warmth and nostalgia, while deep blues or greens can evoke a sense of history and depth. Layered Textures: Combining velvet, linen, reclaimed wood, or aged metals adds richness to a space. Contrast for Character: A sleek modern table paired with antique chairs tells a story of past meeting present. Example: A cozy reading nook with a worn leather chair, a vintage lamp, and a stack of well-loved books tells a story of comfort and nostalgia. // Embracing slow design allows you to curate pieces that hold sentimental value rather than just filling a space for the sake of completion. designing for emotion and atmosphere A home should feel like you — not just look beautiful. The right design choices can create an atmosphere that evokes specific emotions. /setting the mood with multiple seating points for comfort and conversation How to Set the Mood in Your Home : Lighting: Warm, dim lighting fosters intimacy, while natural light enhances openness and energy. Furniture Placement: Arranging furniture for conversation and comfort makes a space more inviting and personal. Scent & Sound: Candles, diffusers, or a record player can trigger memories and create a sensory experience. Example: A well-loved dining table with mismatched chairs and candlelight tells the story of shared meals and meaningful conversations. the art of collecting and curating A truly personal home isn’t built overnight — it’s collected over time. Embracing slow design allows you to curate pieces that hold sentimental value rather than just filling a space for the sake of completion. Tips for Thoughtful Curation : Thrift & Antique Shop: Look for pieces with character - something that sparks a memory or an emotional connection. Repurpose & Upcycle: Restore old furniture or transform heirloom items into modern treasures. Let It Evolve: Your home’s story should grow with you - don’t rush to "finish" a space too quickly. / from left to right: a bowl holding old photographs, personal stamp collection, a poem written to my husband displayed over books Example: A vintage sideboard found at a flea market might have its own history, but when styled with family photos and collected ceramics, it becomes part of your story too. closing thoughts Your home should feel like a well-loved book, with every room telling a different chapter of your story. Whether through collected treasures, intentional design choices, or the simple way light filters through your favorite corner, your space should reflect who you are and what you love. So, next time you decorate, ask yourself: Does this space tell my story? Design Reflection: How does your home reflect your journey? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag @_collectedspaces on Instagram - we’d love to see your storytelling through design!

/ a view of our layered living room If your home feels flat, lacking personality or more "blah" than beautiful, you're not alone. Many modern homes come with safe, neutral palettes — grays, beiges, and greige everything. While these colors offer a calming foundation, they can sometimes leave a space feeling cold or impersonal. The good news? You don’t need to break out the toolbox to breathe life into a beige or gray home.  With a few intentional layers — natural wood, vintage finds, personal art, playful patterns, and cozy textiles — you can create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and uniquely you. Sometimes, it’s the quiet details that make the loudest impact. What does it mean to "add warmth" to a space? It’s not about temperature — it’s about how a room feels. A cool room might have clean lines, minimal decor, and a mostly neutral color palette — think gray sofas, white walls, metal finishes, and maybe a few modern pieces of furniture. While this can look polished and calming, it can sometimes feel sterile, flat, or lacking in personality. A warm room, by contrast, feels layered, inviting, and lived-in. There’s a sense of comfort and soul. You walk in and feel at ease, not because it’s cluttered — but because it feels human . / The No-Reno Makeover of our Living Room: AFTER and BEFORE Here are simple, no-DIY ways to bring that sense of warmth into your space — especially if you’re working with a rental or sticking to a tight budget. / a thrifted wood tray on our marble coffee table incorporate warm wood tones Cool-toned rooms instantly feel more inviting when you introduce natural wood elements. Look for side tables, picture frames, trays, or even bowls in warm woods like walnut, oak, or teak. The contrast adds depth, and the natural material brings a grounding, organic feel that balances sleek or overly modern finishes. Consider adding wood accents with red, golden, or honey tones. These can show up in: A vintage side table A wooden frame A warm-toned tray or bowl Bamboo or cane baskets You don’t need to replace furniture — just layer in small wood elements to soften and ground the room. // these items break up the uniformity of mass-produced decor and give your home a collected-over-time charm that feels thoughtful and layered layer in vintage pieces Layering in vintage items can add a sense of soul to a room. Warmth often comes from a sense of history or story. One-of-a-kind pieces — like a secondhand lamp, a thrifted painting, or a handmade ceramic — create depth. Try: Swapping a mass-produced art print for a vintage one Adding a decorative box or tray you found at a flea market Using an heirloom item in a fresh way (like a quilt draped over a sofa) These items break up the uniformity of mass-produced decor and give your home a collected-over-time charm that feels thoughtful and layered. Even one or two layered-in treasures can completely shift the feel of a room. add color and texture through textiles Textiles are your best friend when it comes to softening a room. Add pillows in deep velvets, throws in chunky knits, or drapes in warm-toned linens. Rust, ochre, olive, and dusty rose are all excellent color choices to add richness while still complimenting a neutral base. Creating a rich color palette is an effective way to inject warmth into your space. / the throw pillows pull colors from the gallery wall above Blankets, curtains, throw pillows, and even lampshades can introduce color and rich textures to balance a cool backdrop. Look for: Nubby linens, velvets, wool, or cotton slub Warm colors like ochre, rust, olive, clay, burgundy, or blush Layering: a throw over a chair, a tablecloth over a plain table, or curtains over blinds These don’t just warm up the space visually — they soften acoustics and light, too. // These touches make your room feel less like a showroom and more like a space where life is happening. bring in pattern and personality Neutral doesn’t have to mean boring. Layering in pattern adds life and rhythm to your space. Patterns — especially in textiles — help break up monotony. / a mix of gingham and floral pattern at my work nook Stripes, florals, block prints, or small-scale geometrics can all bring charm without overwhelming the space.  Even a tone-on-tone pattern can make a big difference by adding visual interest without overwhelming the space. Start small: Add patterned throw pillows or a printed cushion Try a vintage or textured rug layered over a flat jute one Hang a fabric wall hanging or drape These touches make your room feel less like a showroom and more like a space where life is happening. use art to tell your story Bare walls can feel cold, even in a beautiful room. Artwork is one of the easiest ways to infuse personality and warmth. Opt for pieces that speak to you — abstracts, portraits, vintage prints — and mix sizes and frames for a more curated feel. You could also lean art on a mantel or shelf for a casual, European-inspired look. Art personalizes a space — and it doesn’t have to be expensive or precious. You might try: A small gallery wall of prints, kids’ art, or vintage finds Framed photos or postcards that feel nostalgic One large piece to anchor the space emotionally let lighting do the work Harsh overhead lights are instant mood-killers. Create warmth by: Swapping in warm-tone LED bulbs (2700K–3000K) Using floor and table lamps to create pools of soft light Adding fairy lights, candles, or battery-operated sconces Layered lighting makes even a neutral space feel cozy and lived-in. closing thoughts A warm room isn’t defined by color alone—it’s how all the elements work together to create a space that feels personal and inviting. Whether you rent, share space with kids, or are simply working with what you have, these subtle changes can make your home feel more like you . You don’t need a renovation or a big budget. Just a few considered touches — wood, texture, art, pattern — can shift a space from cool to warm, flat to layered, distant to deeply lived-in.

/ our small entryway leading into the living room We live in a cozy 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom rental apartment in Austin, TX. It’s just about 1000 square feet, and it comfortably houses three of us. Some might find that a tight squeeze, but for us, it’s the sweet spot—by choice and by design. In a world where bigger often feels like the better option, we’ve chosen a smaller footprint, not because we had to, but because it truly works for us. Here’s a deeper look at why we intentionally live small, and what it’s given us in return. lower costs Whether you're renting or buying, a smaller home typically means lower costs across the board—rent, mortgage, utilities, maintenance, and even insurance. For our family, renting a smaller space continues to align with both our financial goals and the lifestyle flexibility we value. It allows us to invest in experiences rather than extra square footage. The money we save on rent each month goes toward travel, quality time, savings and our humble goal of being financially independent in 8 years. In a time when financial pressure is high for many households, living in a small space has provided us with more breathing room in our budget. It has also given us freedom—we can move more easily, pivot with our careers, or explore new opportunities without the stress of being tied to a large, expensive property. // the money we save on rent each month goes towards travel, quality time, savings and our humble goal of being financially independent in 8 years. furnishing with intention / a vintage Turkish rug in our guest bedroom In a small home, every item counts. There's no room for filler furniture or decor that doesn’t serve a purpose. This limitation has become a creative strength. It’s easier to furnish thoughtfully, prioritize quality over quantity, and be intentional about each piece that comes through the door. // the small space has encouraged us to adopt a mindset of "less but better," which translates into fewer impulse buys, more secondhand finds, and a more harmonious aesthetic overall. Instead of rushing to fill rooms, we take our time curating pieces that truly reflect our style and values. Our home features items we love, use, and have meaning. The small space has encouraged us to adopt a mindset of "less but better," which translates into fewer impulse buys, more secondhand finds, and a more harmonious aesthetic overall. There is a calm clarity that comes from knowing everything in your space has been chosen with care. easier to organize and maintain Smaller spaces are simply easier to clean and maintain—and with a little one in the mix, that matters a lot. A full clean-up can happen in under an hour, and everything has its place. It takes less time to tidy up, which means more time for the things that matter to us: playing with our child, reading, cooking, resting. our living room, my work nook and the guest room co-existing in rhythm Staying organized is also easier because the boundaries of our space force us to keep systems in place. From baskets for toys to a streamlined kitchen setup, we’ve had to think carefully about how we use our space. And the rewards are clear: our home feels light, orderly, and calm. // It takes less time to tidy up, which means more time for the things that matter to us: playing with our child, reading, cooking, resting. embracing minimal storage This might not be everyone's favorite feature, but minimal storage has been a surprising benefit. At first, the lack of closet and cabinet space felt like a challenge. But over time, it’s become one of our favorite things about living small. Why? Because it forces us to be mindful about what we bring into our home. We ask ourselves, "Do we really need this?" We buy only what we use, regularly donate or sell unused items, and avoid the temptation of off-site storage. There’s a freedom that comes from not being surrounded by things you don’t need. Fewer things mean fewer decisions, less stress, and more time spent living. This mindset shift has also impacted how we approach gifting, holidays, and even how we teach our child about consumption. We value things that are useful, beautiful, and lasting. a lighter footprint Living small is also better for the environment. A smaller home consumes less energy, requires fewer materials, and encourages simpler living. We use less electricity, less heating and cooling, and generate less waste overall. / a tramp art antique mirror paired with West Elm x Pierce & Ward 100% cotton curtain panels It’s worth noting that the average American home size has more than doubled in the last 50 years—from about 1000 square feet in the 1970s to over 2,300 square feet today. Yet, studies show that much of that added space often goes unused . Guest rooms that sit empty, formal dining rooms rarely touched, storage rooms filled with forgotten items. Some reflection questions: How much space do you truly need? Or could you downsize to a smaller home? Are there any pros in doing so? We’ve found joy in living more like people used to—with just what we need and love. And in the process, we’re doing a small part in reducing our environmental impact. Every bit counts. closing thoughts More than anything, living small has helped us create a home that aligns with what we value most: simplicity, connection, sustainability, and intention. Our space encourages closeness, sparks creativity, and constantly reminds us to live with purpose. Want to go deeper? If you're curious about the small living movement or looking for inspiration, we recommend: The Little Book of Living Small  by Laura Fenton; Substack: Living Small Small Space Style  by Whitney Leigh Morris; Substack: Right-sizing These books and Substack newsletters offer practical tips and thoughtful insights for anyone considering downsizing or simply wanting to live with more intention. We’re not anti-space—we simply believe that right-sizing your home is about more than square footage. It’s about designing a life that feels fulfilling, not just filled. Living small is a daily choice, and it’s one we continue to make with gratitude. Thanks for reading! We'd love to hear: What's your favorite benefit of living small?

/ view into our gathering space with a mix of secondhand, vintage and new finds Most of us are familiar with the idea of fast food and why it isn’t the best option on many levels. Similarly, fast fashion has long been criticized for its environmental and ethical issues. But there’s another industry with a similar problem — fast furniture. With its low prices and trendy designs, fast furniture has become the go-to for renters, first-time homeowners, and style-conscious buyers. “Fast” offers convenience and affordability but often with a hidden cost when it comes to these cheap thrills: poor quality, environmental waste, and a cycle of constant replacement. In this post, we’ll explore fast furniture and dupe culture this is a growing problem — and more importantly, how you can make smarter, more sustainable choices for your home. what's really filling our homes Simply put, fast furniture is mass produced pieces that are designed for resale with an emphasis on the speed of service. They are meant to be used short-term rather than longevity. Think of trendy but flimsy particleboard furniture or cheap sofas that barely last a few years before falling apart. With the latest trending pieces comes the rise of dupe culture and knockoffs. Just like clothing, a lot of furniture and accessories we see nowadays are made to resemble higher-end designs and we all know how that goes. They’re made to be disposable - use the piece, throw it and buy into the next trend. And this cycle of use and throw continues. It may seem like a budget-friendly option, but the costs often add up – both financially and environmentally. the original Sun Tray duped by another brand / Left: Sun Tray in Travertine by Anastasio Home; Image via Anastasio Home website /Right: Scalloped Tray in Travertine by a brand on Amazon; Image via Amazon website When one trend goes viral, it seems like overnight every other brand produces their version of it often for cheaper. In just a matter of a few days, it’s designed cheaply, manufactured and shipped off to our homes. There are even apps that scour the internet for fancy knockoffs , helping people buy a product they might otherwise not be able to afford (or even need). Dupe culture also tends to restrict creativity and the authenticity of a product when trends seem to be fleeting. Here are some of the recent interior trends I’ve seen going around. If it was a checkerboard pattern yesterday, today it’s stripes. If it was the butter yellow color yesterday, today it’s pistachio green. Let’s not forget Fisherman Core style and all the current hype around it! Don’t get me wrong – it’s meant to be a nod to nautical inspired, timeless and the beauty of everyday kind-of lifestyle. It’s meant to favor quality over trends. But when a style goes viral, it has a tendency to lose its charm in a mere couple of months.  // investing in a few high quality pieces would fare much better for you than shopping for 20-25 "fast" pieces. / some interesting fisherman core products I came across; Images via Pinterest We start seeing accessories and everyday products in that style trickle down to chains such as Target and Walmart as well. I wouldn’t be surprised to see fish-themed plates and artwork being mass-produced. It’s a completely different case if that’s a style you resonate with and is timeless for you. A walk along the aisles of such stores or even targeted social media ads may tend to blur the idea of our individual preferences. Hence, becoming a more conscious shopper is even more pertinent if we don’t want to end up filling our homes with mere things that hold no meaning or value in our lives. what can we do about it Fast furniture may be cheap and convenient, but it comes at a high cost to the environment — and your wallet in the long run. Luckily, there’s a better way to style your home beautifully without waste. If you’re in the market for something new for your home, investing in a few high quality pieces would fare much better for you than shopping for 20-25 “fast” pieces. Maybe let’s shift our shopping mindsets from buying often to buying well. Although, buying well has become really expensive and inaccessible for most of us these days.  // sometimes trying to live sustainably can look like: using and loving the pieces you have for as long as you can. Given the choice, I’m guessing most of us would want to be a conscious consumer without breaking the bank. This is where my love for buying vintage and secondhand pieces grew. You don’t have to settle for shopping the dupe when instead you can get the real thing for less. Check out [Sustainable Style on a Budget: How Buying Vintage Saves Money and the Planet] for budget-friendly ways to shop smarter and design with impact. a case for doing fast furniture sustainably So does this mean everything I own is high-quality, sustainably made and organic? Definitely not. I could attempt to rehome or donate the product instead of adding it to the landfill. As we’ve heard, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.  / From left to right: Ikea pine chairs, Target black framed mirror, Amazon metal platform bed to which I added a headboard later Now, what if I’m good with some of my fast furniture pieces like the Ikea pine chairs or my full length black mirror from Target? How about the boring metal platform bed from Amazon? They aren’t the best design or sustainable choice but this was all I could afford back when I moved to the US for my graduate studies. That would mean these pieces are over 7 years and counting; I’d say that’s living sustainably to me.  If we start disposing off our “unsustainable” stuff in an attempt to be more sustainable, it would just be a counterproductive exercise and probably a clever marketing campaign into buying even more stuff. It can be a slippery slope between our good efforts toward conscious living and the consumerism trap. closing thoughts With fast furniture creating massive environmental waste and clogging landfills, there has been a recent shift towards secondhand and vintage shopping. It might be a small individual contributor but an impactful way to live more sustainably. Supporting the circular economy means valuing craftsmanship, reusing what already exists, and resisting the constant cycle of cheap, disposable decor. And the best part? Your home will be uniquely yours, with a collected, intentional style that tells a story. Sustainable shopping doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or comfort. In fact, buying vintage, well-crafted items has completely transformed my home — and my mindset. And sometimes trying to live sustainably can look like: using and loving the pieces you have for as long as you can.

/ our living room with a mix of design elements We’ve all been there: obsessed with a color, a pattern, or a vintage detail - but unsure of how (or if) it will actually work in our home. Should you go all-in on stripes? Is needlepoint too traditional? Can marble add warmth into a space? The truth is: design elements don’t have to be all or nothing. You can experiment with them in different scales, shapes, and contexts until you figure out if they truly belong in your space - and your life. This is a low stakes guide on how to explore design styles and elements - like color, texture, patterns, and ornamentation - through layers and proportions that help you get a feel before making bold (and potentially expensive) decisions. Pro: these ideas are perfect for small-space living and are renter-friendly as well! start small: test with accessories and accents Before committing to a bold wall color or a vintage cabinet, try introducing that element in small, movable ways. Color:  Use throw pillows, candles, vases or lampshades in the shade you’re drawn to. Material:  Bring in a marble tray, wrought-iron candle holder, or a jute coaster set to test the vibe. Embroidery:  Add a single cushion with a cross-stitch detail or a mini needlepoint wall hanging to see how the texture feels in your mix. / experimenting styles: red vein marble as a catch-all, decorative stripe plate in colors of our home, mini needlepoint lampshade Think of these as “design samples” you live with - no paint required. All of the above require minimal commitment and are easier to swap with a friend or sell if it doesn’t work out. // a material or motif may surprise you when the form changes. play with scale: from subtle to statement Scale changes everything. Stripes can be bold and graphic in wallpaper or soft and charming in tea towels. Needlepoint can feel nostalgic on a pillow, or striking and unexpected as a framed art piece. / playing with scale and proportion of stripes Here are some ways you can experiment with the scale of design styles. Stripes or Checkered Pattern Small: dish towels, napkins, throw pillows Medium: upholstered bench, stool Large: painted ceiling or wallpaper, curtains, area rug Tramp art Small: picture frames, jewelry boxes Medium: mirror frame Large: side table or console Marble Small: catch-all, coasters, decorative link-knot Medium: table lamp, pedestal bowl, accent table Large: coffee table, dining table or base Trying something in varying scales lets you find the balance that feels right - and avoids overwhelm. mix shapes and forms Some elements feel completely different depending on how they’re shaped or presented. Test a design element in various forms to see what resonates. / an intricate beaded frame with checkerboard mat Wrought-iron in an accent side table  feels edgy and modern while iron as a curved lamp base feels soft and luxe. Ceramic lamps with fabric shades  give off a softer feel; in  rattan or paper shades , the lamp looks more structured. A material or motif might surprise you when the form changes. An intricate beaded frame might give grandma chic vibes but when paired with a checkerboard pattern fabric mat, it resonates with my style. // repetition creates rhythm and comfort - and helps you decide if you're ready to go bolder. repeat, don't overdo One way to safely  explore a new element is through repetition - not saturation. Repeating a motif or material two or three times in a room in varied forms or scales can build cohesion without commitment. Let me highlight a material and color in our home as examples. I’ve been consciously layering brass into our rental home; it adds warmth and character to the space especially when it’s vintage. One of the colors I’ve been drawn to is a soft, muted blue which I try to incorporate on a smaller scale currently throughout the living room. A thrifted wooden tray with brass corner detail holding a brass bowl in blue with motifs on our red marble coffee table Our entry cabinet holds a painter’s palette board with oranges-blues next to a brass Victorian mirror The artwork on our gallery wall has hints of soft blue with vintage brass decor scattered around our low cabinet A touch of blue on the vintage needlepoint lamp and the brass drawer handle on my writing desk I might go bolder on the color choice and add dusty blue drapery panels in our guestroom since that’s in immediate view from our living space. This will allow the color to flow better from one area of our home to another. Repetition creates rhythm and comfort - and helps you decide if you’re ready to go bolder. embrace the experiment Design isn’t static. It evolves as you do. Let your home be a lab - try them on first in small doses, different shapes and soft layers. Rearrange. Swap things around. Be curious - design isn’t perfection. Live with something for a week before you decide. Make mistakes - then pivot. Home is a reflection of who you are - and that’s allowed to change. closing thoughts Your home is an experiment; we’re complex humans in a state of constant growth and change. Give your home the breathing space to evolve into your family’s portrait of becoming. It should be a space where you get to try things on - not a place where you feel locked into one “look” or a specific design style. By playing with scale, shape, repetition, and material , you can thoughtfully explore design elements like embroidery, pattern, material, color, and more - without the pressure to go all-in. And in doing so, you’ll start to build a space that doesn’t just follow trends or curate a home for external validation - it reflects your story, layer by layer. Shop the Style

Let’s start with a personal anecdote: if I had to furnish my house with all brand new products of higher quality from stores, there is no way I’d be able to afford most of it. So when our friends visit home and love one of my most prized finds, a vintage writing desk, I’m always excited to debunk the myth that probably might be in their minds: this might’ve cost her hundreds of dollars. I found the desk from a local online vintage seller for about $250 which is such a steal! It’s beneficial for us both while being sustainable and budget-friendly. / my prized find, the writing desk paired with a 1960s Singer vintage tweed sewing chair Sustainable style doesn’t have to be expensive, minimalist aesthetics or high-end eco-brands. But what does it even mean? Google describes sustainable living as; a lifestyle that attempts to reduce the use of the Earth’s natural resources by an individual or society. One of the most stylish and budget-friendly ways to furnish your home while being kind to the planet is buying vintage. Not only does it add timeless character to a space, but it also reduces waste, cuts costs, and gives new life to well-made pieces. In this post, we’ll explore how embracing pre-loved goods can help you create a unique, eco-conscious home without breaking the bank; no matter whatever your design style is. why buying vintage is a win-win for your wallet and the earth Every year, millions of tons of furniture end up in landfills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency , Americans throw out more than 12 million tons of furniture each year and this creates mountains of solid waste that have increased a whopping 450 percent since 1960. Buying pre-loved goods extends the life of existing pieces. Unlike mass-produced furniture, vintage items don’t require new materials, energy-intensive manufacturing, or long-distance shipping which reduces the overall carbon footprint. Investing in such pieces or even secondhand goods keeps our current resources in use longer as well; thereby minimizing environmental impact and supporting a circular economy. / Americans throw out 12 million tons of furniture each year. Image via Unsplash. There is a reason why vintage pieces, both furniture and decor, are still around in comparison to the Wayfair furniture piece you might’ve bought just a year ago. Many of them are made with quality materials – solid wood and real metals – and durable craftsmanship. Unlike fast furniture, vintage finds are built to last – meaning you’re investing in quality rather than something destined to clog the landfills. // Have you wondered though: why exactly are vintage pieces more affordable? While sustainability is a rising trend, many buyers might still prefer brand new furniture... Due to their well-made quality, vintage finds can appreciate in value over the years. So if you ever were to sell one for whatever reason – maybe it’s not your style anymore or it doesn’t fit your new house like it did before – the resale value on it might be better than what you think. If you’ve noticed, these unique pieces are definitely one-of-kind that you wouldn’t find anywhere else, which isn’t the case with cheap, mass-produced goods. This adds personality and character into any space without the need for pricey designer items. / the famous Knoll Pollock Executive Chair in chocolate brown leather from 1972. Photograph: @secondhandsaustin Although, you can find famous brand or designer vintage pieces in circulation if you are persistent enough. Notice the image above: it’s the Knoll Pollock Executive Chair in chocolate brown leather – the well-known epitome of midcentury sophistication in home office furniture. Yes it’s vintage and the real deal which I scored for way less than one-fourth of the current price, $3,672 (includes ship + tax) on their website. Have you wondered though: why exactly are vintage pieces more affordable? While sustainability is a rising trend, many buyers might still prefer brand new furniture meaning vintage hasn’t fully surged yet and hence the secondhand market is relatively untapped keeping prices lower in my opinion. Even if vintage is often of better quality, fast furniture brands have flooded the market with trendy alternatives, perhaps making pre-loved pieces less desirable to some buyers. I also think, as baby boomers downsize, there’s an influx of secondhand goods hitting the market and since not everyone values older furniture, it can be found at bargain prices. finding affordable vintage When I initially started furnishing our small rental apartment, I wasn’t sure on where to look for good quality preloved pieces other than Facebook marketplace and Etsy. The following are a roundup of my go-to options for vintage:  Online Marketplaces – Facebook Marketplace, vintage stores on Instagram, Craigslist, and eBay are goldmines for affordable vintage finds. Thrift Stores and Flea Markets – Hidden gems at budget-friendly prices. Antique Shops & Consignment Stores – While sometimes pricier, these places often have curated, high-quality selections. Estate Sales and Auctions – Great for scoring high-quality furniture and statement pieces. Local Buy/Sell Groups – Community groups often have amazing deals, sometimes even free finds like Buy Nothing Groups. hot tip! hit favorite on that FBMP item, follow that vendor on Instagram and save that Etsy shop product even if you’re just browsing for fun. This helps train the algorithm to understand your preferences and eventually you will have curated suggestions of products, stores and sellers.  Make sure to inspect the piece for stains, scratches, dents, water damage, mold or any other issues. Ask the seller for multiple photographs before taking a call. And if you’re not a DIY-er, like me, or don’t have the time to devote to a repair project, don’t take on more than you can chew. It may end up costing you more in the long run. Here are some pointers I follow to spot for quality vintage pieces: solid wood construction instead of cheap particleboard or laminates, dovetail joinery as signs of good craftsmanship, real metals whether it be table legs or hardware, sturdy frames especially for seating - sofas, beds, chairs. closing thoughts Buying vintage isn’t just about saving money – it’s about creating a home with soul while making a positive impact on the planet. Whether you’re hunting for a statement piece or looking to furnish an entire space, shopping vintage and secondhand is one of the perfect ways to embrace sustainable style on a budget. PS: What’s been your best affordable vintage find? Share your stories in the comments or tag @_collectedspaces on Instagram – I’d love to hear how you scored them!

I’ve always fancied the art of arranging things - furniture, objects, artwork - and I keep reiterating them until I know in my gut that it’s good. It feels like this is how those pieces belong and balance with each other in the room. In my childhood years, our apartment in Dubai and single-family home in India were my initial canvases that led me down a career path of interior design. I have my parents to thank for that - the freedom of design expression in our home, exploring home furnishing stores together, and exposure to the cultures of the Middle East and India. / my favorite view of the primary bedroom from our first rental Fast forward to the present, our growing little family - my partner, our baby girl and a little furry cat, are nestled in a small but charming space in Austin, Texas. Our home is a reflection of everything I love—vintage finds, personal stories, thrifted treasures, and a commitment to slow, intentional living.  // ...accept whatever limitations you are presented with and still, weave your story through your sacred space. So you ask, how is this blog any different from the gazillion ones out there already? Well for one, it’s a corporate-managed rental apartment which really squeezes the wiggle room of aesthetic freedom you otherwise might possibly have. So I guess no painting walls or fixture swaps for me, at least in the near future. A peel-and-stick wallpaper maybe? Two, I work with a pretty tight budget which really does help in curating our space with intentionality and thoughtfulness. And three, a small space with a square footage of just about 1000 sq ft  means mindful arrangements for easy flow without it feeling overly stuffy. T hese challenges make the process all the more exciting and I hope that would encourage you as well to accept whatever limitations you are presented with and still, weave your story through your sacred space. our home and design philosophy Living in a small space doesn’t mean sacrificing style, comfort, or personality. Yes, the boring millennial beige is a downer.  But in fact, it’s the perfect opportunity to curate a home that feels intentional, beautiful and uniquely yours. Here at Our Petite Home , we embrace mixing vintage pieces along with the modern and the art of layering which brings out the character even in the smallest spaces. / mixing styles: a pair of postmodern accent chairs flank the reclaimed wood cabinet You’ll find me in my creative element as I try to strike a balance between the past and present. Mixing styles of furniture, accessories and everyday objects is one of my tools to create a home that layers beautifully and holds meaning to those who live there. Interiors of our home hold an immensely important effect on us more than we realize; although, I’ve found it to be neglected especially if it’s a rental unit or isn’t your forever home. I hope by sharing our journey, sprinkled with some knowledge and practical tools, it makes you think a bit more about the spaces we live in and be more confident in making decisions even if it’s a temporary dwelling. Perspective switch: think portable treasures! Furnishing a home has become a lot more expensive over these past few years. Let’s just say; I have champagne taste with a lemonade budget. This led me down the road of Facebook marketplaces and Esty vendors, and eventually navigating the world of sourcing vintage. Pre-loved pieces are often way more affordable than buying brand new furniture. Better for your wallet and the planet! They have so much character, history and unsaid stories, and the idea that we can use these pieces left behind to create new stories is something that truly excites me. From an antique wooden dresser to a set of postmodern chairs, every secondhand find has a story—and I can’t wait to share those stories with you. going forward Here I’ll be sharing my journey of creating a home that’s both stylish and sustainable, proving that you don’t need a big house or a big budget to have a space you love. Whether you’re a fellow vintage collector, a small-space dweller, or someone looking to bring more intentionality into your home, I hope you’ll find ideas and encouragement here. Stay tuned for upcoming posts on how to score the best vintage finds, my favorite ways to style a small space, and practical tips for slow, intentional living at home.  And with that, welcome to our petite home!